The Swimmer.m: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has officially reported the abandonment of the vessel SWIMMER. M, identified by its IMO number 9148491. This alarming situation involves a ship flagged under St. Kitts & Nevis, currently located at the port of Hereke in Turkiye. The crew aboard the SWIMMER. M, consisting of 15 seafarers from Egypt, has not received their wages for the past three months, prompting this formal report to the ITF on July 1, 2025. The case is currently marked as open, drawing attention to the pressing issues faced by maritime workers in similar circumstances. The ITF’s seafarers abandonment list serves as a critical resource that tracks incidents of crew abandonment around the globe, emphasizing the need for better protections and support for seafarers. As investigations continue, the plight of the crew onboard the SWIMMER. M shines a spotlight on the ongoing challenges within the maritime industry.

In a significant enforcement action, the captain, second officer, and manager of the cargo vessel 'Throne' were brought before the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Virtual Court on May 15, facing serious charges of cocaine possession with intent to distribute. The trio, including Captain Shaikh Arif Noor Mohammed, age 31, Second Officer Chandan Kumar Singh, age 25, and Manager Behzat Tokgoz, age 42, appeared before Magistrate Aden Stroude, with the court proceedings adjourned until May 29. The case dates back to April 29, when law enforcement conducted a targeted operation led by Supt. Francis with coordination from Sgt. Kelly and officers from the Western Division. They executed a comprehensive search of the 'Throne,' resulting in the discovery and seizure of approximately 475.9 kilograms of cocaine. The swift action led to the arrest of Captain Mohammed and 18 other foreign crew members, underscoring the international implications of the trafficking ring. After consulting with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Roger Gaspard, charges against the primary suspects were formalized, categorizing their actions under trafficking in dangerous drugs. Furthermore, the DPP directed that the 'Throne' be confiscated as a key piece of evidence, positioning it for forfeiture in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 11:27. Legal proceedings will be initiated under Section 58 of the Police Service Act to secure a court order for the vessel's sale, with proceeds to be safeguarded in an interest-earning account until the conclusion of the case. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in disrupting drug trafficking networks operating on international waters.

In a significant drug trafficking operation, the vessel 'Throne' was apprehended by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard along with Special Forces on April 28, 2020. The interception took place in the Caribbean Sea, northwest of northern Trinidad, within international maritime boundaries. Authorities uncovered nearly 400 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed within a specially designed compartment inside the fuel tank, with the narcotics sealed in watertight packages to evade detection. Following the incident, all crew members on board were detained and subjected to thorough interrogations. The 'Throne' was subsequently escorted to La Retraite in Chaguaramas, where it remains anchored while investigations continue. The ship was reportedly on a route from Guayaquil, Ecuador to Belem, Brazil at the time of the interception.

Following a period of slow-going repairs at Yasarsan Shipyard in Altinova, the vessel formerly known as 'Tuna 1' has officially been renamed to 'Throne'. The owners faced significant financial challenges which delayed the payment of shipyard expenses, contributing to an extended repair timeline. On November 9, the ship departed from the Tuzla shipyard after completing essential repairs and proceeded to sea trials. By November 19, Throne was anchored near Yalova at coordinates 40° 40.68' N, 029° 18.45' E. The vessel has now been registered in Palau. After successfully completing trials and gaining necessary approvals, Throne set sail from Yalova and made its way to Istanbul, arriving on December 10 at 6:40 p.m. Shortly thereafter, on December 11, she continued her journey to Izmir, reaching her destination on December 13.